Potential new treatment for blood malignacies/blood cancers

[TZ]

JAK2 Inhibitor Shows Potent Activity in Cells From MPD Patients

MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Australian and New York based company Cytopia Limited announced today that its lead JAK2 inhibitor compound CYT387 has demonstrated potent activity in cells isolated from patients with myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs).
MPDs are a series of diseases where there is over-production of particular cells within the blood stream. One of these conditions is polycythemia vera (PV) where patients have excess production of red blood cells in the body which can lead to life-threatening conditions such as hemorrhage, thrombotic events (eg stroke) and enlargement of the spleen.

There are few pharmaceutical treatments for MPD patients and consequent unmet clinical need. Progressive disease can lead MPD patients to develop leukemia or myelofibrosis.

Over 95% of patients with PV and about 50% of patients with two related MPDs, essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis, possess a genetic mutation which causes over-activation of the enzyme JAK2. Cytopia is developing selective and potent inhibitors of the JAK2 enzyme to block excessive activity.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/jak2-inhibitor-shows-potent-activity-in-cells-from-mpd-patients,267168.shtml

I realize most people are not familiar with these chronic conditions (I have one and have reference it several times) but I think its interesting and potentially could reduce the risk in leukemia patients and perhaps one day help treat several types of leukemia. Also, these chronic conditions are often painful and disruptive to leading a normal life.
This brings to light one of the things that makes me sad about pharmaceuticals in this country. Many are not willing to invest research in orphan (or rare) diseases like this..So people like me have to look to other countries. Unfortunately it looks like I MAY be of the 50% of my disease that doesn't have this mutation though.:(